David J. Pieper

David Joseph Pieper of Shakopee passed away surrounded by his family on September 3, 2026, at the age of 66. Dave was one of a kind-direct, hard-working, never afraid to speak his mind, and incredibly proud of his children and grandchildren. He lived by a simple rule: work before play.

A Gathering of Family & Friends will be held at the Shakopee VFW Post 4046 (1201 3rd Ave E, Shakopee, MN 55379) on Sunday, September 13, 2026 from 1:00 – 4:00 PM with a Celebration of Life Service beginning at 1:00 PM. Seating for family and friends begins at 12:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be distributed in David’s honor by his family.

David was born in New Prague on December 22, 1959, to Leonard and Phyllis (Molkenbur) Pieper. Dave was the second of eight children and the oldest boy. Growing up on the family farm in Marystown meant learning responsibility at an early age, laying the foundation for the legendary work ethic that would define him throughout his life.

Dave married his high school sweetheart, Luanne Swart, on September 16, 1978. Together, they built a life filled with nearly 48 years of marriage and four wonderful children. In 1980, they purchased their own herd of dairy cows and rented a farm in Shakopee. In 1983, they moved the family to Princton where they participated in a Control Data Inc. farm program that provided a new home and farm buildings with the option to purchase after four years. When the four years were up, Dave and Luanne decided to return home to Shakopee. Dave then began a career in trucking, eventually owning his own semi and hauling sugar for North Central Transport for many years. After selling his truck, he went to work for Republic Services, where he spent the next 15 years.

When Dave wasn't working or behind the wheel, you could almost always find him outside. If he wasn’t tending to and maintaining his yard to perfection, he was likely fishing, hunting, or spending time with his family. Dave loved fishing the river for walleye, and anyone who ever fished with him knew one thing for certain: Dave wasn’t coming off the water until everyone had their limit- or the sun was going down, whichever came first. Some of his favorite memories were made with his sons, family and friends during his annual eight-day elk hunting trips to Colorado; weekend pheasant hunts in Pipestone; and years of deer hunting. As much as Dave loved working, fishing and hunting, nothing made him prouder than his family. He made time to cheer on his grandchildren at each of their sporting events. He was never shy about sharing his thoughts during the game, whether anyone asked for his opinion or not! Dave’s pride extended to each of his children and their spouses as well. Dave spoke often about his kids, their accomplishment, and the families they built. Above all else, he was immensely proud of being a husband, dad and grandpa.

Dave will be deeply missed and remembered always by his wife, Luanne Pieper; children, Jessica (Joe) Geis, Joe (Lacey) Pieper, Chad (Farah) Pieper, and Katie (TJ) Phillips; grandchildren, Jailyn, Luke, Lance and Levi Geis- Axl and Paisley Pieper- Sierra, Logan and Austin Pieper, and Boston and Cole Phillips; siblings, Sherry Theis, Vern (Cindy) Pieper, Bev (Rick) Foth, Irene (Mike) Theis, Jeff (Julie) Pieper, Rose (Greg) Watschke, and Pam (Amy) Pieper-Berchem; mother-in-law, Dorothy Swart; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and good friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Phyllis Pieper; father-in-law, Don Swart; Loraine Swart (Luanne’s Mother); brothers-in-law, Hank Theis, Darrell Conrady and Les Swart; and other beloved family members.

Dave worked hard, loved his family fiercely, and enjoyed life on his own terms. His unmistakable personality, work ethic, stories, and unwavering pride in his family will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him.